Future of NHS at risk from £6billion funding gap and 100,000 staff shortage, MPs warn

THE NHS’s future is at risk from a £6billion funds gap and 100,000 staff shortage, MPs warn.

It fell just £21million in the red last year — but that hid a £141million deficit at one trust.

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Health chiefs fund daily costs from a kitty for buildings and IT upkeep.

It has left a £6billion maintenance backlog that risks future problems, the Commons Public Accounts Committee says.

Staffing may soon “reach crisis point” amid a “risky strategy” of relying on foreign recruits and fewer quitters.

It risks plans to boost cancer, dementia and mental health care, MPs added.

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Committee chief Meg Hillier said: “Staff shortages are a clear threat to the NHS long-term plan.”

The GMB union added: “The NHS faces its single biggest crisis since its creation.”

Tories plan an extra £20.5billion a year for the service by 2023-24.

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